AS9 - Emergency Exit Signage

Purpose

To establish guidance for the design of emergency exit signs in aquatic facilities.

Required Locations

Exit signs of appropriate type complying with AS 2293.3 should be installed in the locations determined as necessary in accordance with the National Construction Code of Australia.

Use of Externally Illuminated Signs

Externally illuminated exit signs should be used only in areas that are provided with appropriate means for automatically exhausting or excluding smoke.

NOTE: Externally illuminated exit signs have been found to be more affected by smoke than other types of exit sign and their use is therefore restricted as above.

Sign Colours

Areas of Normal Illumination

Except in areas as specified below in areas of low illumination, exit signs should comply with all requirements of AS 2293.3 for either:

1. A standard internally illuminated exit sign; or
2. An externally illuminated exit sign

Areas of Low Illumination

Where the relevant room or area will be provided with low levels of illumination as part of its normal use, it should be acceptable to install exit signs complying with the requirements of AS 2293.3 for low illuminance area internally illuminated exit signs.

Repealed by NAIC

Choice of Images

The pictorial elements displayed on an exit sign should communicate one of the following messages:

1. Straight on from here
2. Left from here
3. Right from here

They should be in accordance with part (a), (b), or (c), as per the following diagrams

Size of Pictorial Element

The minimum allowable size of any pictorial element on an exit sign should be determined by the maximum viewing distance intended under the design as follows:

Physical Conditions of Installation

Mounting Height

Exit signs should be mounted not less than 2 m and not more than 2.7 m above floor level, or immediately above the doorway if the doorway is higher than 2.7 m. However, variations to these heights should be allowed when specifically agreed by the relevant regulatory authority.

Maximum Viewing Distances

The maximum viewing distance that is to be provided by any exit sign should be determined from the pictorial element height of the sign in accordance with table describing the size of pictorial elements

Identification and Marking of Exit Signs

Each exit sign should have the maximum viewing distance, determined in accordance with this guideline printed on the sign face. For further details regarding the marking, refer to AS 2293.3.

Where an exit sign does not bear the identification symbol should be applied

Other Emergency Exit Related Signs

For use when describing the location of an emergency assembly point or meeting point following an emergency evacuation

For use when describing the location of a Tsunami evacuation area or Tsunami Evacuation Building

References

• AS 1319-1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
• AS/NZS 2416.1:2010 Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 Water Safety Signs and beach safety flags
• ISO 7001 Graphic Symbol – Public Information Symbols
• National Construction Code of Australia 2016 (NCC)